Sunday, February 27, 2011

Personal Leave Weekend

I had at least two blog entries stewing in my head about how well the training was going and how fit I felt of late. And the numbers confirmed what I felt, I was hitting season best times and approaching several PR's. I was getting the training done, but the rest of my life was quite hectic. This past Wednesday, I woke up at 5:00 AM to what I can only explain as a mini meltdown. What am I doing? This is not my job. Isn't this supposed to be fun? What was I thinking signing up for two Ironmans? Somehow, I was able to get on the trainer and complete my brick workout, even PRing my run loop for the season. One meltdown avoided.

This time last year, I didn't have a full-time job, and I was living the real life of a pro. This year, a different story. Not only am I working 10+ hour days, but I'm also coaching again. During my coaching season, I like to tell my friends that I feel like a single dad to 23 children. Yes, they can be quite needy. And like every parent with children, you pick up whatever illnesses they have. In my case, there is a stomach flu going around. Sure enough, Friday night, it was coming out of me at both ends (TMI?), the stomach flu. If you ever want to get down to your fighting weight, contract the stomach flu. It's a horrible feeling, you're starving but the thought of food just makes you even more sick. I'm sitting here now, able to get some food down but my energy level is definitely waaaay down. I don't see myself starting the training back up until Tuesday. I try not to focus on the gains that I've made in the past 10 days slipping away. I believe consistency is the way to get faster, and well, this is not helping my consistency, oh well.

And to make matters worst, this guitar keeps staring at me. My friends are getting married this weekend, and they asked their friends in lieu of gifts, to contribute something (a story, poem, etc..) to the ceremony. Somehow, I got it in my head that I would learn to sing and play this song on the guitar. But after meeting with my guitar teacher for our first lesson, she gave me a bit of a reality check and she said there was no way in hell I was going to do it in the time that I have. So I suggested another Cat Stevens song and she said this is doable...but I might want to consider the appropriateness of singing a song called Father and Son at a wedding. I told her it doesn't really matter, everybody is going to be too distracted by my singing and playing to even notice the words. All of my friends know I have no musical talent whatsoever so they'll just be in shock the entire time. I have one more week to get this damn thing down. Dig deep Kiet, dig deep.

9 comments:

Kathleen @ ForgingAhead said...

Oh Kiet, I sure hope you feel better soon! That sounds just awful.

I think it's sweet that you're planning to play a song for your friend - from the heart.

mtanner said...

I struggle with the EXACT thoughts although I have always had a full time job, it just seems every year it gets crazier. What was I thinking signing up for three ironmans this year- overacheiver? You are awesome and you will come out on the other side stronger than ever. You keep it real and I appreciate it!!!

Beth said...

ARGHH!!! Hope you feel 100% again soon Kiet!! And hope you get that song down too! What an incredibly thoughtful thing to do - no matter how it turns out, I'm sure your friends will be touched!

JC said...

OMG - Feel better Mr. Listen to your body (listen to what you would tell those "children" of yours).
I hope your song is video'd and posted:)))
You will be GREAT! Like Tony the Tiger GREAT!

Kim said...

Oh man.. stomach flu is NOT fun. I had a VERY close call at the end of myu long run this past Sunday where I almost didn't make it to the bathroom.. it was DANG close.. not fun! Anyway, one day at a time, just keep your head up and I hear you on the coaching side. They are needy sometimes aren't they :) Take care Kiet!!!

Matt said...

I hope all is well soon. I was sick earlier in the week and still feeling a bit fatigued..hard to know when to get back at it..

Charisa said...

I hope you feel better soon!

And singing a song - that is awesome - please someone video tape it!!!!

hang in there with work, etc. it will get better. somehow it always works out.

Libby said...

hope you are feeling back to 100%. during those crazy weeks just focus on the task at hand- one thing at a time and only what you can control. how did the song go?? that's awesome!!! love cat stevens. I suck at guitar lol... I'm sure it worked out and you so have to post a video if you have it!

Teresa said...

The flu!! No fun...but I can not wait to hear your guitar playin' Whatever you come up with will be nothing short of amazing!

Hang in there!

tn